Kidney stones are a common health issue in India, impacting around 10% of the population. A buildup of salts and minerals, such as calcium, phosphate, and uric acid, in the urine causes kidney stones. This crystalline material can form clumps that grow and harden in the kidneys, leading to pain and other complications. Fortunately, a kidney stone can be treated with proper medical treatment, and critical illness insurance is available to help cover the medical costs associated with the condition.

This blog will discuss the causes and symptoms of kidney stones. It will also observe how kidney stones can be diagnosed on time, along with the need for separate kidney stones insurance.

Causes and Symptoms of Kidney Stone

Understanding what causes kidney stones can help you prevent the condition from developing or worsening in many cases. The following are some of the most familiar causes of kidney stones:

Causes

• Not drinking enough fluids
• Eating too much animal protein
• Eating too many oxalate-rich foods (such as spinach, almonds, and peanuts)
• Eating too much salt
• Having a family history of kidney stones
• Having certain medical conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, and urinary tract infections.

Symptoms

When you develop kidney stones, your body tries to tell you that by indicating many physical changes in the body, some of Kidney Stones symptoms are:

• Pain in the side and rear, below the ribs
• Pain that diverges to the lower abdomen and groin
• Discomfort that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
• Pain on urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Urinating more often than usual
• Urinating small amounts

Diagnosis of Kidney Stone

Kidney stone is one of the most common urological diseases, and it is estimated that 1 in 10 people will develop a kidney or calculi stone at some point in their life. There are many aspects that can be the reason for the formation of kidney stones, including genetics, diet, medications, and lifestyle. If diagnosed on time, it will be a lifesaver for the patients.

The first steps in a kidney stone diagnosis are medical records, exams, and diagnostic testing. Your doctors will need to know the exact size and shape of the kidney stones. A high-definition CT scan of the kidneys or a KUB x-ray (kidney, ureter, and bladder x-ray) can be used to decide the size and location of the stone.

Surgeons frequently obtain a KUB x-ray to determine whether the stone can be treated with shock waves. Although CT scans are commonly used for diagnosis, the KUB screening could be used to evaluate your stone before and after treatment.

Second, your doctors will determine the best course of treatment for your stone. Your kidneys' condition will be assessed using blood and urine samples. Doctors will consider your overall health as well as the size and location of the stone.

Your doctor will then try to figure out what caused the stone. They will then analyse the stone after it has been removed from your body and check your samples for calcium, phosphate, and uric acid. In addition, the doctor may request that you keep track of your urine output for 24 hours to check for uric acid and excess calcium in your body.

Eligibility Criteria for Kidney Stones Insurance

The following are the basic eligibility requirements for kidney stone insurance:

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• They must be at least 18 years old.
• They must not have any pre-existing kidney stone conditions.

Factors Affecting Kidney Stones Insurance Premiums

Here are a few factors that can affect your insurance premiums for kidney stones:

• Age: Insurance companies typically charge higher premiums for older individuals because they pose a greater risk of developing kidney stones.
• Gender: Insurance companies may also charge higher premiums for women, as they are more likely to develop kidney stones.
• Lifestyle: People who live an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking or drinking, may also be charged higher premiums.
• Medical History: People with a family history of kidney stones may be charged higher premiums.
• Location: Insurance companies may charge higher premiums in areas that have higher instances of kidney stones.
• Deductible and Coverage: The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your premiums may be. The type and amount of coverage you choose may also affect your premiums.

Kidney stones are covered under insurance for critical illness, which can be a great way to protect yourself from the financial burden associated with kidney stones. It is critical to understand the eligibility criteria for getting covered for kidney stones and the factors that affect the premiums to make sure that you are adequately covered. By understanding these factors, you can ensure that you are getting the best possible coverage for your needs. You can choose critical care plans to cover such situations, and platforms like Niva Bupa can help you find the best-suited plan for it.